I am considering installing a radar reflector on the mast of my NS30U. I currently use a foldable Davis relector and hoist it up using the flag halyard. I can see the benefits of a permanently installed reflector whereas I cruise the New England waters. I am interested in what other owners have done in this regard, What brand reflector is used and how is it attached to the mast?
Rick Merullo
Moonbeam
NS 30U #471
Manchester, MA
Here is a shot of how the radar reflector is mounted on La Reina. It is permanently affixed to the boom.
Mark Powers & Nesta Davies
La Reina 26C
Burrard Civic Marina
Vancouver, B.C.
Mine is mounted similar to Marks except it sits ontop of the wishbone.
Mike
BIANKA
1986 30U
http://biankablog.blogspot.com
Here is a shot of how the radar reflector is mounted on La Reina. It is permanently affixed to the boom.
Mark Powers & Nesta Davies
La Reina 26C
Burrard Civic Marina
Vancouver, B.C.
Thank you Mark, Mike and Allen for your responses. I like the idea of the fixed mount on top of the forward end of the wishbone. The photo appears to have a 3/8" size bolt or threaded rod mounted to the front casting. At this point I am leaning toward a Tri Lens reflector because of Practical Sailor’s testing and recommendation.
Rick Merullo
Moonbeam
NS 30U #471
Manchester, MA
Thank you for responding Mike. How is your reflector fastened to the wishbone?
Rick
MOONBEAM
1988 30U #471
Rick:
I believe it is bolted through the forward wishbone casting (where the choker block is attached) . Been there since I bought the boat including through several hurricanes (up to 95 mph winds). Never had much reason to mess with it since I bought the boat in 1995.
Mike
BIANKA
1986 30U
http://biankablog.blogspot.com
Thank you for responding Mike. How is your reflector fastened to the wishbone?
Rick
MOONBEAM
1988 30U #471
A couple of years ago I had a discussion with a RCMP Marine Unit officer about the need for radar reflectors on a Nonsuch with aluminium mast and wishbone. His advise was that because the boats target was much bigger than any added reflector, additional non-active devices would not provide any added protection.
Jorgen Moller
PONDUS NS26 #33
RCYC Toronto
The below is from the Cruiser’s Form. It tends to agree with what I remember from my Navy experiences -
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221 (1984)
Sea Harbour Yacht Club
Oriental, NC
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Speaking as someone from the foggy state of Maine with literally thousands of hours spent in the fog all I can say is YES!
Radar likes right angles and flat surfaces to reflect signal back. Rounded masts are not a good reflector. While many boats do show up without a reflector the target definition and target itself on screen is usually quite small and can be mistaken for a lobster pot or buoy or sea clutter. Make your boat show up on someone’s radar screen and definitely buy a reflector..
Oh never mind I’ll just show you. I took this photo a few months ago at my mooring during the set up and install of my new Garmin HD radar that replaced a Raytheon CRT unit.
The target labeled in red as “C-30” is a Catalina 30 with no radar reflector. The much bigger target labeled in green as “M-28” is a Morris 28 with a radar reflector. Hopefully seeing is believing…!
LOOK BIG!!
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P.S. ANY reflector is better than no reflector! I have yet to see a boat with any reflector that I did not pick up on screen. I have come across many boats with no reflector that I never saw because the target returns were inconsistent or appeared a sea clutter..
I appreciate the many responses from the members. The screen print of Joe’s radar screen showing nearby boats with and without reflectors has convinced me of the value of a good reflector. I have decided to permanently mount a reflector to the forward end of the wishbone as Allen and Mike have discussed.
The best information I have found so far is a comprehensive study reported by Practical Sailor Magazine. If you are interested in reading this article published in the August 15, 2001 issue, I am allowed to share it with friends via email.
I am leaning toward the Tri-Lens reflector as recommended by Practical Sailor.
The standard Tri-Lens reflector from Rozen-
ûdal Associates outperforms our previously
recommended reflector, Davis’ Echomaster,
at about double the price.
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Rick Merullo
Moonbeam
NS 30U #471
Manchester, MA
